See Monkey Review

See Monkey by Sophie Masson, Illustrated by Kathy Creamer (Little Pink Dogs) PB RRP: $24.95 ISBN: 9780994626981

Review by Anne Helen Donnelly

Toddler and Monkey are awake and immediately the fun begins. First Monkey jumps, then he dives but can’t stop in time. Monkey likes to go outside and hop, all over the flowers. Then he plays ball and dances, and more mischief ensues. Monkey’s quiet time results in a creative and colourful mess for Mum to clean up, but his energy is limitless! Monkey then sits, then reads. After bath time Monkey swings before bedtime.

What a day! Follow Toddler and his favourite toy through their busy day and all the fun adventures and mischief they get up to. Parents with toddlers will relate to some of these amusing situations of these energetic adventures and after-fun clean-ups.

See Monkey is a children’s picture book for children of ages 3 – 7 years. The themes are universal, and it is a good read for families with babies and young children. The lively and colourful illustrations will capture the minds of a young audience.

Me and You

Me and You by Deborah Kelly, illustrated by Karen Blair (Viking) HB RRP $24.99   ISBN 9780670079247

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

So much love packed into one book! Deborah Kelly and Karen Blair have teamed up for the first time to create this beautiful tale of love, togetherness and the simple things in life. The gorgeous endpapers set the mood for this heart-warming reflection on early childhood. The story is told through the eyes of a fun-loving young girl who has overwhelming gratitude for spending time with those closest to her. It divinely reinforces the old adage that ‘children love your presence more than your presents.’

Throughout the book, we see images of the little girl’s fun-filled days with her parents, grandparents, cousins, neighbours and dog as she describes the many everyday experiences that clearly fill her heart with joy.

‘I love our arty-crafty days, our cut-and-paste and colour days, making things all kinds of ways with scissors, paint and glue.’

Me and You is written in verse and is beautifully illustrated using pencil and soft watercolours. This picture book makes a great bedtime story, best read snuggled up with your little one. This story may even encourage them to reflect on their own relationships and start a conversation about what they love about their days! This book is suitable for children aged 3-6 and is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.